Thank You Mission Hills for 2022 

By Dixie Hall, Mission Hills BID President and Owner of DixiePops

It is amazing to me that another year has come and gone. Seems like it was just a few weeks ago that I was putting all the Christmas décor away – and yet I just spent the day taking it all out to again decorate for the holidays. As I am making final touches on this December column, Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday have ended and Cyber Monday is just a few hours away. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to look forward to a gift filled holiday.

Thanks to a collaboration between US Bank Mission Hills, the BID, and businesses in Mission Hills, we are collecting new unwrapped toys in Toys for Tots collection boxes throughout Mission Hills. This year is the first time a communitywide Toys for Tots collection is taking place in Mission Hills. In a neighborhood with so much, the Mission Hills BID is hoping the 2022 Toys for Tots Mission Hills effort will provide an opportunity for businesses and patrons to abundantly donate and make Christmas a happy occasion for children who may otherwise not enjoy a visit from Santa.

If you are a Mission Hills business and wish to join the effort, please stop by US Bank and pick up a box. Sign-in on the list near the Toys for Tots boxes so we know where the box you take will be located. All toy donations must be new, not gift wrapped, and will be picked up by the Mission Hills BID on Monday December 12 and Tuesday December 13. If you wish to make a donation of a new toy, please look for a Toys for Tots collection box at Thorn Brewing Company, Lewis Fay Kitchen Collective, State Farm Insurance, Backbone Floral, L’Atelier on Reynard Way, Mission Hills Nursery, US Bank and DixiePops. If you have questions about this year’s Toys for Tots effort, please contact us at MissionHillsBID@gmail.com.

Thank you to those who attended last month’s Mission Hills BID Annual Meeting and Mixer at Kettle & Stone. It is at this time meeting that the BID board members are elected. As the continuing president of the Mission Hills BID, I look forward to serving with fellow officers Daniel Geddis, One Mission Realty, vice president; Jesse Zmuda, Backbone Floral, secretary; Jamaal Jackson, US Bank Mission Hills, treasurer; and directors Sarah Mattia, Pizza e Birra; Mike Metcalf, Michael Metcalf Consulting; and the newest board member, Amra Mulic, All American Tailor. We are all looking forward to a busy and productive 2023.

The Mission Hills BID has been a Neighborhood Champion in the Shop Small Saturday effort for the last seven years. During Thanksgiving week volunteers gathered at US Bank to organize Shop Small Saturday swag for delivery to Mission Hill BID retailers in time for the 12th Annual Shop Small Saturday on November 26. From tote bags to balloons, posters, stickers and doormats, we delivered boxes loaded with give-aways. When you are holiday shopping in the neighborhood, be sure to ask for a Shop Small tote bag. With the holidays just around the corner, I ask that you look for a local shop to buy your gifts. And, one of the biggest gifts you can provide a small business is to post your experience on social media so that others will be reminded to shop at independent retailers and restaurants. As a small business owner, I can attest to how important the support of the community is to us.

As tough as it has been for our local businesses, their philanthropy has continued through gifts of funds and commitment of time and energy to our schools and community-based organizations – which is why I ask that before you go online or head to the mall, think of our local small business community and give them a chance to help you find the right gift for that special colleague, friend or family member. Your continuing support of local businesses helps our neighborhood thrive.

In Mission Hills shopping is an adventure. From the glow of West Lewis Street one will discover artfully curated gifts for children and those who care for them, a collaborative design space that embraces gracious living and entertainment, hard-to-find grown-up beverages and hot coffee and tea and delicious snacks, yoga and exercise classes, dry cleaning and laundry services, and relaxing beauty salon services.

Order delicious baked items or have a piece of art beautifully framed or buy an one-of-a-kind art piece, indulge in beauty and self-care services or stop by for a convenience store items in the neighborhood – all on Reynard Way.

Move on to India Street, also recognized as International Restaurant Row, and stock up for a traditional British Christmas, enjoy an Afternoon Tea and welcome a visit from Father Christmas or partake in an evening of tradition, music, and fun, and sing along to your favorite Christmas carols accompanied by a British styled brass band. Also on India Street discover live theater, gourmet take-out, gelato, holiday tamales, pizzas, Thai food, seafood, deli sandwiches, gelatos and fast Italian Motorcycles — all at the ready for you and your holiday guests.

On Goldfinch Street and on Fort Stockton Drive catch up with friends and family over a festive beverage or a meal. Browse the real estate listings. Perhaps enjoy a massage or a facial. Get a fresh hair style. Buy a holiday gift or three of Wagyu beef. On West University Avenue there could be a piece of jewelry waiting for you.

West Washington Street is our busiest and most diverse commercial area. It is filled with dining and desserts and grown-up drinking, gourmet ice cream and cheese, self-care and beauty, excellent groceries, and everything your pet may need. And for those year-end must-do’s, remember our neighborhood banks, dentists, insurance agents, realtors, accountants and attorneys.

Please don’t just take my word for it. Stop by and discover for yourself how much our neighborhood has to offer this holiday season.

As this year comes to a close, I wish you a joyous and safe holiday season!

Category: Business, Events, Holidays, Life Style, Local News, Nonprofit